GRANTS OFFICER I

The University of Georgia; Athens (GA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Georgia is seeking a Grants Officer I to join the Sponsored Projects Administration, Pre-Award. You will independently negotiate contracts, manage complex awards, and mentor newer staff. Signatory authority to bind the University may be exercised within defined limits.

Minimum qualifications include a bachelor’s degree and 2 years of experience, with deep knowledge of external funding policies and contract processes. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.
• Knowledge of external funding, finance, and administration policies.
• Ability to draft contracts and agreements.
• Strong communication and deadline-driven work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Reviews grant contracts for compliance with rules and policies; mentors junior staff.
• Manages contracts from pre‑award to close‑out; mentors junior staff.
• Ensures compliance with agency guidelines and regulations; verifies budgets.
• Interprets agency requirements and documents policies.
• Negotiates and authorizes contracts; liaises with funding agencies and faculty.
• Serves as liaison between funding agencies and faculty on complex questions.

Skills

Contract negotiations

Grants administration

Stakeholder communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Position Summary

Sponsored Projects Administration, Pre-Award, is the central pre‑award or sponsored projects office at the University of Georgia. The office manages an extensive portfolio of awards/proposals. The Grants Officer I serves on the contract team, manages the high‑level desk with the most complex sponsors, contracts, and internal/external authorities, and mentors newer employees. The successful candidate will independently negotiate contracts and possess signatory authority to bind the University to terms and conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Reviews grant contracts for compliance with federal, state, and sponsor rules and regulations as well as UGA policies and procedures; mentors Grants Specialist I‑III in the same area.
• Manages contracts from pre‑award stages through to project close‑out (excluding financial accounting); mentors Grants Specialist I‑III in the same area.
• Ensures compliance with agency guidelines and all applicable federal, state, and university regulations, such as animal and human subject use, debarment and suspension, and drug‑free workplace; verifies accuracy of proposal budgets, including indirect costs and subcontract adherence.
• Assists faculty and staff with interpreting agency philosophy, policies, regulations, and guidelines; interprets, clarifies, and documents diverse agency requirements, procedures, and policies.
• Negotiates and authorizes contracts on behalf of UGA or its research foundation; may defer to Legal Affairs and Innovation Gateway on certain issues.
• Serves as liaison between potential funding agencies and faculty regarding complex questions; performs related work as assigned.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent and 2 years of professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/ or Competencies:

• High level of knowledge of institutional policies and procedures pertaining to external funding, finance, and administration.
• Established level of knowledge of contract negotiations and ability to draft agreements.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with university personnel, state and federal agencies, and private organizations on complex matters.
• Effective oral and written communication skills with PIs and other UGA personnel.
• Ability to work under varying levels of supervision in a deadline‑oriented environment.
• Strong commitment to excellent customer service and ability to manage desk and mentor/train others.

Physical Demands

Sitting at computer for long periods of time, standing, walking, bending, stooping, carrying, lifting up to 20 lbs.

EEO Policy Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or veteran status or other protected status.